Report: Jason Pierre-Paul progressing well, nears return to team

The Giants' Jason Pierre-Paul sits on the sidelines against the Carolina Panthers during the second half of an NFL game in Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2013. Photo Credit: AP / Bob Leverone

The Giants still do not have an RSVP from JPP, but one report indicates the defensive end will arrive at the team's facility sometime in the next three weeks.

NFL Network cites several sources who report that Jason Pierre-Paul is "progressing very well" in his rehab from the fireworks mishap on July 4 that led to various injuries to his right hand and the amputation of his index finger. The report also states that Pierre-Paul intends to report to the team and sign his franchise tag tender (or at least a version of it) before the start of the regular season, but there is no certainty whether he will be available to play in that Sept. 13 opener against the Cowboys.

That makes sense as it would be the only way for Pierre-Paul to collect all $14.8 million on his franchise tag. The Giants have not yet examined Pierre-Paul's injuries nor have they been given access to his medical records. The franchise tag tender has not been rescinded, but the Giants have made it clear they will want to have their medical staff examine Pierre-Paul before anything is inked.

The total value of the one-year tag deal could be negotiated down based on Pierre-Paul's availability in exchange for avoiding the non-football injury list, which would sideline Pierre-Paul for six weeks without pay.

Giants add LB Palmer

Veteran linebacker Ashlee Palmer has missed only two games in his NFL career and none since the end of his rookie season in 2009. That kind of durability was no doubt attractive to the Giants when they signed him as a free agent on Monday to help replenish a roster devastated by injuries.